‘Cultures of Memory’ international symposium planned

The Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies (CRS) in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) will co-present “Cultures of Memory,” a multi-faceted, international symposium, from Oct. 16-20 at Faraday House, Syracuse University’s London center, and York St. John University in York, England. CRS faculty members will join colleagues from University College London, York St. John University and Massey University in New Zealand to present their distinctive creative practices and scholarship related to memory.

Bradford Vivian, associate professor of CRS, will give the symposium keynote address “Our Time of Witnessing: Rhetorical Performance, Moral Justice and Liberal-Democratic Cultures of Memory.” In addition, several CRS faculty will present sessions:

Kendall Phillips, professor and VPA associate dean of research and graduate studies, will give an overview of SU’s Public Memory Project

Charles Morris III, professor, will present “How to be an archival queer: The perils and promises of GLBTQ Public Memory”

The study of public memory—the relationship with our shared past—has grown into an important topic across academic disciplines in recent years. Memory differs from traditional notions of history in that memories can change, transform or become altered over time. They can also be forgotten or recalled. CRS conducts many events and projects with SU and community/global partners under the auspices of the Public Memory Project, focusing on how memories of the past impact our political and cultural lives in the present.